Kathmandu. The State Government of Kerala is going to launch two new initiatives. Which will be related to the sale of alcohol and its packaging.
Under this initiative, an additional Rs 20 will have to be paid for a bottle of liquor. However, this money will be returned when the bottle is returned. The Kerala government has taken this step to reduce the damage caused to the environment due to plastic waste. In addition, this initiative will promote responsible consumption along with environmental protection.
The Excise Department has announced two decisions to address environmental concerns arising out of plastic waste. In the first decision, it has been said that premium liquor sold at the outlets of Kerala State Beverage Corporation (BEVCO) will no longer be available in plastic bottles. Now only liquor above Rs 800 will be sold in glass bottles in the state.
Under the second big decision, all liquor bottles (be it plastic or glass) purchased from Bev’s outlets will have to pay Rs 20 more. This amount will be refunded when the bottle is returned. Each bottle will have a QR code. Which will help track the return process. However, the refund amount will only be available from Bev’s outlet. From where the bottle was purchased.
Minister MB Rajesh clarified, “These 20 rupees are not an additional fee, but it is a deposit amount. Which is to promote responsible consumption. ’
The Government of Kerala has partnered with Clean Kerala Company to implement this initiative. The pilot project of the scheme will be launched in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts from September 2025. If successful, the project will be implemented in the entire state from January 2026.
“A similar scheme is already going on successfully in Tamil Nadu, which has been studied by the Kerala government. Looking at the bottle return process in Tamil Nadu, Kerala has decided to adopt this model. ’
According to the information received, about 70 crore liquor bottles are sold every year through Bev’s outlets in Kerala. 80 percent of them are plastic. These bottles cause great damage to the environment by throwing them on roads, rivers, and public places.
Minister Rajesh said, “This scheme will help solve the problem of bottles thrown on the road. Our goal is to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. ’
Bevco plans to start super premium outlets to further improve liquor sales. The first Super Premium outlet will open in Thrissur on August 5, 2025. These outlets will sell foreign liquor above Rs 900. The government plans to start super premium outlets in every district so that consumers can get a better experience.
